William Powell
January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977
As one of the founding members of the O’Jays, William Powell helped create a sound that would entertain and inspire countless fans and ultimately land the group in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He left the group due to illness in 1975 and died of cancer on May 26, 1977, but not before helping make several hit records.
Jimmie Rodgers
September 8, 1897 – May 26, 1933
Known as “The Singing Brakeman,” Jimmie Rodgers was one of country music’s first superstars, best known for his yodeling. A natural showman at an early age, Rodgers began arranging traveling road shows while still in his early teens. To keep him an eye on him, Rodgers’ father got him a job as a waterboy at the rail yard at which he worked. It was there that Rodgers began learning the guitar from hobos and rail workers. When he was 27, Rodgers came down with tuberculosis. Although it eventually put an end to his career with the railroad, it didn’t stop him from performing and recording. Rodgers recorded several records in the late ’20s, including “Blue Yodel” (or “T For Texas” as it was commonly known) which would make him a household name. By the early ’30s, Rodgers was mostly retired from the road due to the health problems brought on by the tuberculosis. In May of 1933, he traveled to New York for what would be his final recording sessions. It has been said that he needed to lay down and rest between each song. Rodgers died of a lung hemorrhage just two days after his final recording session. He was just 35.
Little Willie John
November 15, 1937 – May 26, 1968
As one of R&B’s unsung heroes, Little Willie John sang with a robust voice and an emotional range that would be cited as an influence by no less than Sam Cooke, James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Al Green. Discovered at the age of 17 by music impresario Johnny Otis, John signed to King Records where he had a run of hits that included “All Around The World,” “I’m Shakin’,” “Sufferin’ With The Blues,” and “Fever,” which would later be huge hits for both Peggy Lee and Elvis Presley. His songs were also covered by the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, James Brown and the Blasters. His career came to a screeching halt in 1964 when he stabbed a man to death. His notorious bad temper and alcoholism likely played a role in the altercation. John was sent to Washington State Prison where he died of pneumonia in 1968. Recognition for his contributions to popular music finally came three decades later, when John was elected to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
Earle Hagen
July 9, 1919 – May 26, 2008
Earle Hagen, was the Emmy Award-winning television composer who could count the iconic theme to The Andy Griffith Show as his own. A talented musician himself, Hagen left home at the young age of 16 to play the trombone with Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. In the ’40s he went to work for the studios composing theme music for films and television. Some of his more popular included Make Room For Daddy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and That Girl. Earle Hagen died of natural causes on May 26, 2008.
Oneil Edwards
DOB Unknown – May 26, 2010
Oneil Edwards was one-third of the popular Jamaican dancehall group, Voicemail. Brought together at a local talent show in 1999, the group initially included five members, but eventually morphed into a trio which included Edwards, Craig Jackson and Kevin Blaire. Voicemail began making records around 2003, eventually releasing their debut album, Hey on VP Records. The group quickly built a loyal following thanks in part to their upbeat and catchy dance tunes. On May 10, 2010, Oneil Edwards entered his home to find gunmen who shot him and fled. One suspect was later found dead of a gunshot wound, while a second suspect was apprehended by police. Edwards was taken to a local hospital where, on May 26, he passed away from his wounds.
themusicsover